Tide-power air-compressor.



No. 639,735. Patented Dc. 26, i899.

- c. M. JOHNSON.

TIDE POWER AIR COMPRESSOR. (Appligation led Nov. 19, 1898. Renewed Sept.30, 1899.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet l.

.66@ 1i j' 6 Inv/waffe?? ,1 mmf/1f. @Zaman No. 639,735. Patented nec.26, |899. c. M. JoHNsoN.

TIDE PUWERAIR COMPRESSOR.

(Application led Nov. 19, 1898. Renewed Sept. 30, 1899.)

3 Shets-Sheet 2.

No. 639,735. Patented Dec.26, |899.

y C. M. JOHNSON.

TIDE POWER AIR COMPRESSOR.

(Application filed Nov. 19, 1898. Renewed Sept. 80, 1899.)

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

few l. I

PATENT muon.

OLADE M. JOHNSON, OF LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY.

TIDE-PowER AIR-COMPRESSOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters PatentNo. 639,735, dated December26, 1899. Application tiled November 19, 1898. Renewedyeptember 30,1899. Serial No. 732,239. (No model.)

T0 all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, CLAUDE M. JOHNSON, a citizen of the United States,residing at Lexington, in the county of Fayette and State of Kentucky,have invented new and useful Improvementsin Wave or Tide PowerAir-Oompressors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a wave or tide power air-compressor, and hasfor its object to furnish a simple, efficient, and economicalair-compressing apparatus, in which the motive power may be supplied byone or more floats or buoyant bodies arranged to oscillate or vrise andfall with the undulatory movements or pulsations of the tide and wavesin such manner as to operate a pump or pumps for compressing and storingair to be subsequently utilized in driving other motors or pumps orother machinery and for various purposes in the arts.

My invention consists in an air-compressing apparatus comprising acylinder, a lower piston, an upper gravity-piston coacting with thelower piston to compress the air admitted to the pump-cylinder, and abrake to hold the gravity-piston elevated during descent of the lowerpiston, and to release the gravitypiston on ascent of the lower piston.

The invention also consists in the combination, with a receiver forcompressed air and a motor-such as a buoy or float, free to rise andfall with the tide and actuated by the waves-of an air-compressing pump(one or more) that comprises a lower piston connected with the float orbuoyant motor, an upper gravity-piston coacting with the lower piston tocompress the air admitted to the pumpcylinder and deliver it to thereceiver, and a brake controlled from the motor to arrest descent of thegravity-piston, so as to hold it elevated during descent of the lowerpiston, and release it on ascent of said lower piston.

My invention further consists in features of construction and novelcombinations of parts in an air-compressing wave-power, as hereinafterdescribed and claimed. p

In the annexed drawings, illustrating the invention, Figure 1 is apartly-sectional elevation of myimproved air-compressing pump with itslower piston, upper gravity-piston, and air-brake mechanism forcontrolling descent of the gravity-piston. Fig. 2 is an elevation of theair-compressor as arranged for operation by wave-power at any stage oftide. Fig. 3 shows-a modification in the form of the oat mechanism asadapted forV operating a single air-compressor pump. Fig. 4 is a detailelevation showing a counterbalanced guide-carriage connected with thefloat-operated piston-rod. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section ofguide-frame, showing the guide-carriage of one piston-rod in plan View.Fig. 6 is a horizontal section above the floats of a wave-powerair-compressor.

In the installation of a tidal or wave power air-compressing plant, suchas contemplated by my invention, there may be erected at a suitableelevation above the water 'a scaffold, framework, or staging 10, thatmay constitute part of a pier or wharf. This scalfold or staging 10should be located at a convenient point for utilizing the motion of thewaves and tide as a source of power, and it comprises securelyplacedposts or piles l1, that are disposed at suitable intervals. The pier,staging, or scaffold 10 should be constructed to afford adequate supportfor a number of stationary vertically-arranged air-pump cylinders 12,each of which has a length sufficient to accommodate the requiredmovements of the pumppistons, hereinafter described, and permit anautomatic vertical adjustment of the same within each cylinder accordingto variations of the tidel in its different stages.

In each pump-cylinder l2 the lower piston 13, Fig. 1, may have arigidly-attached pistonrod 14, extended downward through a stuffing-box15v on a removable cap or head 16, with which the lovverend of thepump-cylinder may be provided. When a'lower cylinder head or cap 16 isemployed, it maybe formed with a series of air-inlet ports 17, havingHap-valves 18, Fig. 1, arranged to permit the entrance of air to thelower end of the cylinder on ascent of the piston 13 and adaptedto'prevent its exit through said inlet-ports 17 when the piston falls.The flap-valves 18 are conveniently mounted in casings 19, that areApreferably removable or constructed to afford access to said valveswhen desired. If preferred, the valved cap or head 16 may be dispensedwith and the lower end of the cylinder 12 be left wholly open to theatmosphere.

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For each rigidly-attached piston-rod 14 there may be provided aguide-sleeve 20, Fig. 2, supported in a frame 21, secured to verticalrods 22, depending from the staging or scaffold on which thepump-cylinders 12 are erected. The stuing-box 15, Fig. 1, also ai'fordsa guide for the rigidly-attached piston-rod. Each piston-rod 14 may haveits lower end connected by a ball-and-socket joint 23, Fig. 2, with apitman 24, which may connect by a similar universal joint 25 with afloat or buoy 26 of any suitable construction that shall be adapted forthe utilization of tide and wave power in the effective and economicaloperation of the air-compressor pump.

The air-compressor pumps are preferably arranged in pairs, with a iioator buoy 26 beneath each pump. Each pair of floats or buoys may bemounted in or secured to a single oscillatory frame 27, having ahorizontal axle 28, Fig. 6, that is free to rockin suitable bearingsprovided on vertically-movable sleeves 29, surrounding two adjacentpiles or posts 11, the said sleeves being tted with rollerbearings orball-bearings 30, so as to be capable of sliding freely up and down withthe rise and fall of the tide. Thus the floats 26 will ride on the wavesduring all variations of tide movement. By connecting the pistons 13 oftwo adjacent pumps with floats 26, that are mounted in a singleoscillatory frame 27, as in Fig. 2, these pistons will rise and fall inprecise alternation with each other, so that compression of air willoccur in one pump-cylinder while the other is receiving its supply orcharge.

In Fig. 3 there is shown a wave-motor arrangement comprising only onepiston-actuating float or buoy 26, having its oscillatory frame 27pivotally connected with avertically-sliding sleeve 29 to rise and fallwith the tide, as before described, while the single float and its frameare free to oscillate in such manner as to operate the connectedairoompressor pump independently of any others with which it may begrouped. The lower end of the vertically-movable sleeve 29 isV in thiscase preferably secured to an annular fioat or buoy 29a, Fig. 3, thatwill cause the sleeve 29 to respond more readily to requirements of thesingle pivotally-attached motor- Iioat 26 in all variations of tidalmovement.

Instead of connecting the lower piston 13 of two immediately-adjacentair-compressor pumps with lloats 26, that are attached to opposite endsof the same oscillatory frame 27, as already mentioned with reference toFig. 2, it may be preferable to provide an in dependent oscillatoryframe 27a 27b for each iioat 26, as shown in Fig. 4, both frames beingpivotally connected with the same vertically-sliding sleeves 29,sustained by buoys 29, as above described. By this means each pump willbe permitted to operate independently of the other. In each case theposts or piles 11 serve as guides for the rising and falling sleeves 29,and thus the piston-actuating floats 26 are conveniently anchored inposition for utilizing their oscillatory movements to the best advantagein the development of wave-power, while they are also free Vto rise andfall with the tide.

When the pump-piston 13 is provided with a rigidly-attached piston-rod,there may be secured to said piston-rod a vertically-travelingguide-carriage 31, Figs. 4 and 5, provided with guide-pulleys 32, thatare arranged to run along the vertical guide-rods 22, forming part ofthe frame that is suspended from the scaiold on which the pump issupported. This arrangement for guiding the piston-rod may be preferablein some cases, and in order to assist the float 26 in raising the pistonand float connections there may be attached to the guide-carriage 31 arope 33, which passes over a pulley 34 and supports a weight 35 tocounter-balance the guide-carriage and impart a steadiness of movementto the piston 13 as it rises and falls with the oscillations of theiioat 26 as effected by the waving, rolling, or tumbling motion of thewater.

As shown in Fig. 1, the lower piston 13 is provided with suitableairpassages,controlled by a valve or valves 36 for admitting air to theair-compression space in the cylinder 12 above said piston. This piston13 may be provided with any suitable packing 37, and it may be formedintermediate its ends with a circumferentialrecess 38 to preventbinding.

Each pump-cylinder is provided with a weighted upper piston 39, Fig. 1,which by gravity coacts with the lower piston 13 in compressing the airadmitted to the cylinder 12 through the valve or valves of the lowerpiston. This gravity-piston 39 is provided with a central verticalair-outlet port or passage 40, having its lower end enlarged toaccommodate a valve 41 of any appropriate character. If desired, thegravity-piston may be provided with a relief-passage 42, having asafety-valve 43 at the top. The gravitypiston should be provided withsuitable packing 44, Fig. 1, and it may have a circumferential recess 45intermediateits ends to prevent binding and facilitate rapid descent ofsaid gravity-piston in coacting with the ascending lower piston for thecompression of air, as hereinafter described. In its lip-and-downmovements the gravity-piston 39 carries with it a vertically-extendedpipe 46, that is secured to said piston at the upper end of the valvedoutlet-passage 40 for carrying off the compressed air to a place ofstorage or use. This pipe 46 may have a length stiflicient to extend anyrequired distance beyond the open upper end of the pump-cylinder. As thepipe 46 is to ascend and descend with the piston 39 there should beprovided a flexible connection of some appropriate kind between saidpipe and a stationary coinpressed-air receiver 47, Fig. 2, which maybesupported on the scaffold 10 or located in any i convenient situation.Such connection between the pipe 46 and compressed-air receiver IIO 47may be effected by means of flexible tubing 48 of sufficient length toconnect at all times with the receiver 47 during the required movementsof the gravity-piston. A checkvalve 49, Fig. 2, is provided at eachinlet to the compressed-air receiver. lf desired, this compressed-airreceiver may have a safety- Valve 50 of any appropriate character, and apressure-indicator 51 may be also provided. Several receivers or tanksfor storage of compressed air may be connected with the initial receiver47 by means of a pipe 52, or this pipe may be employed for direct supplyof compressed air to the point where it is to be utilized.

For the purpose of sustaining the gravitypiston 39 in an elevatedposition during descent of the lower piston 13 there is provided a brakemechanism which may be controlled from the lower piston or its motor.This may be accomplished in a variety of ways. As shown in Figs. 1 and2, a cross-head 53 is vsecured to the vertically-extended air-pipe 46 ofthe gravity-piston 39 and moves therewith. Each cross-head 53 carriesdepending arms 54, one on each side of a pump-cylinder. These dependingarms 54 may be of any suitable length 'and are passed through guides 55,Fig. 2, preferably located on the scaffold l0 and in brackets 56,projecting from the pumpcylinder. In the brackets 56 or at any suitablepoints adjacent to the arms 54 there may be arranged eccentrics 57, witheachA of which are connected levers 58 and 59 for controlling the biteof said eccentrics on or against the depending cross-head arms 54, so asto constitute a brake for the gravity-piston. The levers 58 carryadjustable weights 60 and are so arranged as to normally turn thegripping or frictional surfaces of the eccentrics 57 away from thedepending arms 54, thereby releasing the brake and permitting thegravity-piston 39 to descend. The levers 59 connect with the outer endsof piston-rods 61, attached to pistons 62, placed in the opposite endsof a horizontally-arranged brake-cylinder 63, that may be supported inany convenient manner in front of a pump-cylinder. A three-way valve 64is connected with the cylinder 63 at a point between the two pistons 62for the purpose of controlling communication between said cylinder andan air-pipe 65, that leads from the compressedair reservoir. Thisthree-way valve 64 is actuated through lever connection 66 from atoothed segment 67, which is oscillated by a spur-gear 68, havingthereonv a pulley 69, (shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1,) over which acord or rope 70 is passed. One end of the rope 70 has attached thereto aweight 71, and the other end of said rope may be secured to thepiston-actuating oat 26, as in Figs. 2 and 3 0r to the guide-carriage 3lof the piston-rod 14, as in Fig. 4; or `the said rope 70 may beconnected in any' suitable manner, so as to actuate thebrake-controlling valve 34 in accord with the movements of the lowerpiston. A

1, thereby forcing the pistons 62 outward, and

consequently swinging the levers 59 in the same direction, so as to makethe eccentrics 57 bite against the cross-head arms 54, and thus sustainthe gravity-piston 39 in an elevated position. During descent of thelower piston 13 its valve or valves 36 will rise under the pressure ofair beneath, and consequently air will be thus admitted into the spaceabove the lower piston, between it and the elevated gravity-piston. Onthe upward stroke of the lower piston 13 its valve or valves 36 willclose down, and the three-way valve 64 will be turned in such directionas to cut off further access of air to the brake-cylinder and permitexhaust to the atmosphere through a reliefport 73, with which said valveis provided. The weighted levers 58 will now be free to turn theeccentrics 57 in such direction as to release the cross-head arms 54,and this will permit the gravity-piston 39 to fall rapidly toward theascending lower piston 13, thus positively coacting with said lowerpiston in the com pression of air previously admitted to thepump-cylinder. It will be understood, of course, that both pistons 13and 39 should be so accurately litted to the pump-cylinder or besupplied with such packing as will insure proper piston action with noundue leakage. The opposing faces of the two pistons are preferablyprovided with annular projections 74, Fig. 1, of sufficient diameter tosurround and protect the piston-valves and prevent full contact of theopposing piston-faces throughout their whole area. These annularprojections 74 may be formed on detachable piston-faces 75, that arepreferably provided for convenience in forming the valve-seats and tosecure the piston-packin g in place. The compressed air lifts the valve41 of the upper piston and passes th rough the pipe 46 to thecompressedair receiver. In completing its upward stroke the lower piston13 supports the gravity-piston 39 and returns it to an elevated positionin the pump-cylinder. Now as soon as the lower piston again begins todescend the threeway valve 64 is immediately actuated, through itscontrolling mechanism or valve-gear, in such direction as to ad mitcompressed air from the pipe 65, Fig. l, into the brake-cylinder 63,thereby causing the pistons 62 and levers 59 to turn the eccentrics 57into position for gripping the cross-head arms 54, thus holding up thegravity-piston until the lower piston again rises.

In constructing the valve-gear segment 67 Fig. 1, its irst and lastteeth are made lon- IOGv IIO

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gitudinally yielding, beingnormally pressed outward by springs 7 6, andthe outer ends of these teeth are each beveled off on the outer side, asshown, so that each spring-pressed tooth will yield inwardly whenengaged by the spur-gear 68 in one direction of revolution. By thisconstruction the toothed segment G7 will receive from the spur-gear GSonly such degree of movement as is necessary to effect a full operationof the three-way brake-valve 64 in the proper direction for applying orreleasing the air-brake, as the case maybe, and a further revolution ofthe spurgear 68 in the same direction will not aiect the brake-valve. Itmay be preferable to provide the toothed segment 67 with a slotted arcextension 77, Fig. 1, to engage a stop-pin 78 for limiting the throwofthe brake-valve- 64 in each direction of movement.

Any desired weight may be given to the gravity-piston, as by directapplication to the piston itself, in its construction or attachments.For instance, adjustable or removable weights 79, Figs. 1 and 2, may besuspended by means` of rods 80 from the ends of the cross-head 53, sothat the weight can be regulated as required, it being desirable thatthis gravity-piston should coact with the lower piston promptly andeffectively in t-he aircompressing operation.

Obviously various modifications may be made in the construction andapplication of a suitable brake mechanism for the gravitypiston.

If desired, the lower end of the pump-cylinder 12 may be open orconstructed without a head, like the upper end of said cylinder, and thesaid lower piston may then have its rod or pitman 24 iiexibly connectedboth to the piston and to its actuating-float. By providing apump-cylinder of sufcient length to correspond with the extremes oftidev movement the pistons 13 and 39 will readily operate at any heightof water, whether the tide is high or low.

This power apparatus may be conveniently operated on wharves or piers orwherever there is any wave motion of the water. The movement of watermay be also utilized in various ways for actuating the lower pumppiston,and from this lower piston the brake mechanism of the gravity piston canobviously be controlled by various mechanical devices.

The apparatus affords a convenient and economical means for thecompression of air, and obviously the compressed aircan be employed as amoti-ve power in various kinds of machinery or for driving dynamos togenerate electric energy that can be transmitted to requiredpoints,whether for lighting or power.

What I claim as my invention is- 1. The combination with a cylinder, anda lower piston, of a gravity-piston arranged in said cylinder above thelower piston, abrake for the gravity-piston, and mechanism forcontrolling said brake to hold the said gravitypiston elevated duringdescent of the lower piston and to release the gravity-piston onascentof the lower piston, substantially as dcscribed.

2. The combination with a cylinder, and a lower piston in said cylinder,of a gravitypiston arranged in said cylinder above the said lowerpiston, a motor for actuating the lower piston, a brake for thegravity-piston, and mechanism for controlling said brake from the motor,to hold the gravity-piston elevated during descent of the lower pistonand to release the gravity-piston on ascent of the lower piston,substantially as described.

3. The combination with a cylinder, and a lower piston in said cylinder,of a gravitypiston arranged in said cylinder above the said lowerpiston, means for varying the weight of the gravity-piston, and a braketo hold the gravity-piston elevated during descent of the lower pistonand to release the gravity-piston on ascent of the lower piston,substantially as described.

4. The combination with a cylinder, and a lower piston, of agravity-piston arranged in said cylinder above the lower piston, anairbrake for the gravity-piston, a brake-controlling valve, andmechanism for operating said valve from the movements of the lowerpiston, to hold the said gravity-piston elevated during descent of thelower piston and to release the gravity-piston on ascent of the lowerpiston, substantially as described.

5. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a float orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said oat, and an uppergravity-piston,

'substantially as described.

6. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a floatorbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said iioat, an upper gravity-pistonprovided with a brake to hold the said gravitypiston elevated duringdescent of the lower piston, and means for releasing said brake onascent of the lower piston, substantially as described.

7. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a ioat orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said float, an upper gravity-pistonprovided with air-brake mechanism, and means for controlling theoperation of said brake mechanism to hold the gravity-piston elevatedduring descent of the lower piston and permit the fall of saidgravity-piston on ascent of the lower piston, substantially asdescribed.

8. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a Heat orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said float, an upper gravity-pistonprovided with brake mechanism, and means for controlling the operationof said brake mech- IOO IOS

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anism from the float and connected lower piston, to hold thegravity-piston elevated during descent of the lower piston and permitthe fall of said gravity-piston on ascentA of the lower piston,substantially as described.

9. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a ioat orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said iioat and provided with anair-inlet valve, an upper gravity-piston through which the pump is incommunication with the compressed-air receiver, an air-brake to hold thesaid gravity-piston elevated during descent of the lower piston andpermit fall of said gravity-piston on ascent of the lower piston, abrake-valve, and mechanism for controlling the operation of said valvefrom the iioat with which the lower pist-on is connected, substantiallyas described.

10. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a float orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said float, an upper gravity-pistonthrough which the pump is in valved communication with thecompressed-air receiver, a compressed-air brake for the gravity-piston,a three-way valve to control theoperation of said brake," apivotally-mounted toothed segment connected with the valve arm or lever,and gearing actuated from the iioat, to oscillate'the said segment foroperating the brakevalve, substantially as described.

11. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a iioat orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave motion, of an air-compressing pumphaving a lower piston connected with said float, an upper gravity-pistonthrough which the pump is in valved communication with thecompressed-air receiver, an air-brake for the gravity-piston, athree-way valve to control the operation of said brake, apivotally-mounted toothed segment having a lever connection with thebrake-valve, a spur-gear meshed with said segment, a pulley on saidspur-gear, a cord or rope attached to the iloat and carried over saidpulley, and a weight at the free end of said cord, substantially asdescribed.

12. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, and a lio-at orbuoyant body to be actuated by wave and tide, of a post having thereon avertically-movable sleeve to which said iioat is pivotally connected,and an air-compressing pump in communication with the compressed-airreceiverand provided with an upper gravity-piston and with alower pistonthat is connected with said float, substantially as described.

13. The combination with a receiver for compressed air, andair-compressing pumps in commu nication with said receiver and eachprovided with a lower piston and an upper gravity-piston and with brakemechanism for said gravity-'pistomof posts having vertically movablesleeves thereon, an oscillatory frame mounted on said sleeves, floatsattached to said-frame to rise and fall with the tide and be actuated bywave motion, universallyjointed connections between said floats and thelower pump-pistons, and means for controllingthe operation of the brakemechanism from the iioats, substantially as described.

14. -The combination with a compressed-air receiver, and anair-compressing-pump cylinder havinga lower valved piston, of agravitypiston arranged in said cylinder above the lower piston andprovided with a valved outlet-port in communication with saidcompressed-air receiver, an air-brake for the gravity-piston, abrake-controlling valve, and mechanism for operating said valve with themovements of the lower piston, to hold the said gravity-piston elevatedduring descent of the lower piston and to release the gravitypiston onascent of tlielower pistou, substantially as described.

15. The combination with a compressed-air receiver, and anair-compressing-pump cylinder having a lower valved piston, of agravitypiston arranged in said cylinder above the lower piston andprovided with a valved outlet-port in communication with saidcornpressed-air receiver, brake mechanism for the gravity-piston, saidmechanism comprising a brake-cylinder and its pistons, a valve forcontrolling communication between said brakecylinder and thecompressed-air receiver and to permit exhaust from said cylinder to theatmosphere, valve-gearing, and means for operating said valvegearingwith the movements of the lower pu nip-piston, substantially asdescribed.

16. The combination with a compressed-airy with the depending arms ofthe piston crosshead, a brake-cylinder having pistons in its oppositeends with the piston-rods projecting from the ends of said cylinder,levers connecting said piston-rods with the said eccentrics, avalve forcontrolling admission and exhaust of compressed air to and from thebrake-cylinder, and mechanism for operating said valve with themovements of the lower piston, substantially as described.

17. The combination with a compressed-air receiver, and anair-compressing-pump cylinder having a lower valved piston, of agravitypiston arranged in said cylinder above the lower piston andprovided with a valved outlet, a vertical air-pipe connected with saidoutlet and in flexible connection with the ICO IIO

compressed-air receiver, a cross-head carried by said air-pipe andhaving arms depending on oppositey outer sides of the pump-cylinder,removable Weights suspended from said crosshead, eccentrics adapted tohave a frictional braking engagement with the depending cross-head arms,weighted levers to normally hold the eccentrics from engagement withsaid depending arms, a brake-cylinder having pistons in its oppositeends, levers connecting said pistons with the said eccentrics, a valvefor controlling admission and exhaust of compressed air to and from thebrake-cylinder, and mechanism for operatin g said valve with themovements ofl thelower piston, substantially as described.

18. The combination with vertical stationary air-pump cylinders, andpistons, of a connterbalanced guide-carriage attached to eachpiston-rod, a guide-frame for the guide-carriages, piles havingvertically-slidin g sleeves and a float-operated piston, of agravityoper ated piston, and a brake for said gravity-operated piston,substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

CLAUDE M. JOHNSON. Witnesses:

GEO. W. REA, F. B. KEEFER.

